Many Investors Regret Their Pre-Recession Financial Decisions
OMAHA, Neb.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The current economic climate has curbed many investors’ appetites for risk, according to a recent survey released by TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation (NYSE: AMTD). When asked what, if any, changes they made to the way they’ve invested in the markets over the past six months, 34 percent of investors surveyed said they had taken on less risk. That’s compared to 22 percent who answered the same just three months ago.
‘The slow recovery of the U.S. economy, Europe and its ramifications on global and domestic economies, and the political situation in the U.S. are all weighing heavily on the minds of retail investors’
Looking ahead to the next three months, 47 percent of investors said their outlook for investing conditions in the U.S. stock market is ‘optimistic,’ compared to 66 percent who said the same back in April.
As investors pause, they reflect back on the things they wish they would have done differently. If they could go back to a time before the recession of 2008-2009, many investors would have changed the way they managed their money.
Specifically:
71 percent report they would have spent less and saved more
65 percent report they would have lived within their means
60 percent report they would have taken more personal responsibility for managing their money
Perhaps attempting to pacify these regrets, investors continue to feed their retirement accounts. Eighty-six percent (86%) of them said they contributed the same amount as usual or more to their IRA over the past six months.
“The slow recovery of the U.S. economy, Europe and its ramifications on global and domestic economies, and the political situation in the U.S. are all weighing heavily on the minds of retail investors,” said Tom Bradley, president of retail distribution, TD Ameritrade, Inc. (TD Ameritrade), a broker dealer subsidiary of TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation. “Despite the bearish sentiment, our clients continue to monitor accounts at levels similar to last year, but they’re waiting for a little more clarity on key issues before they completely engage.”
Investors seeking a self-directed approach to getting their long-term financial plans on track are encouraged to visit TD Ameritrade’s website for more information. TD Ameritrade offers investors a variety of retirement resources and online tools and calculators to help make the planning process easier.
For investors needing added guidance in pursuing their long-term investment goals, Amerivest, an investment advisory affiliate of TD Ameritrade, has solutions that may help them take control of their financial future. For professional money management and financial planning assistance, TD Ameritrade's AdvisorDirectâ„¢ service can refer investors to a knowledgeable, independent Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) who can help them pursue their investment goals.
For more information on TD Ameritrade’s Investor surveys, visit www.amtd.com, or follow the Company on Twitter, @TDAmeritradePR.
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About the Survey:1,035 investors participated in an online survey conducted by Research Now on behalf of TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation on June 27-July 9, 2012, and offered their views on economic conditions and outlook for the market in general. These investors have at least $10,000 in investable assets, own securities in brokerage accounts, are 18 years or older, are involved in managing their portfolios, and have traded securities at least once in the past 12 months. The 1,014 survey respondents represent a random sample of investors selected from a consumer panel of individuals in the U.S. who have access to the Internet. The margin of error in this survey is ±3.0%. This means that in 19 cases out of 20, survey results based on 1,035 respondents will differ by no more than 3.0 percentage points in either direction from what would have been obtained by seeking the opinions of all eligible individuals in the U.S. who are online. Research Now and TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation are separate, unaffiliated companies and are not responsible for each other’s products and services.
About TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation: Millions of investors and independent Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) have turned to TD Ameritrade’s (NYSE: AMTD) technology, people, and education to help make investing and trading easier to understand and do. Online or over the phone. In a branch or with an independent RIA. First-timer or sophisticated trader. Our clients want to take control, and we help them decide how, bringing Wall Street to Main Street for more than 36 years. An official sponsor of the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team, TD Ameritrade has time and again beenrecognized as a leader in investment services. Please visit TD Ameritrade’s newsroom or www.amtd.com for more information.
Brokerage services provided by TD Ameritrade, Inc., member FINRA /SIPC /NFA.
